The Grenada gazette., 1887-10-22
HOWARD'S DECEIT
And What It Cost Him---A Story
for Boys.

NvANrEp-An honest, active, intelligent boy
w about sixteen years old as clerk in {
grocery store No one using tobacco need ap
ply B. +. JONES co.
This advertisement appeared in the
village paper, and was the first thing
that met Mrs. Bent's eyes as she took
1t up to read the news.
Just the place for Howard" she
said as she finished reading it for the
second time. "Sixteen--that's just
his age. He's honest, active, intelll-
gent and don't use tobacco. He has
often said he would like position in
some store. / will run down and see
Mr Jones at once, for fear some one
may g ct ahead of him."
Mrs. Bent was alone in her house
when she uttered these words, and
addressed them to no one save her.
self She was widow, and the boy
she referred to was her only child.
He was absent on this day visiting al
uncle, and would not return till night.
She thought she would see about the
position at the store, and perhaps
would have some good news for her
boy on his return. She lived near the
edge of the village, half mile from
Jones store, as it was commonly
called. An hour later found her in
the Office Of Jones e. Co., reciting a
few Of the many virtues which in the
blindness of a devoted mother she be-
lieved her boy possessed.
There is one point on which we are
very particularly said Mr.. Jones. "Our
firm has decided to have no one in our
employ who uses tobacco
"You needn't fear that Howard will
ever do that. He would no sooner use
tobacco than poison. l have taken
great pains in teaching him to shun
the evil ways SO many boys Of his age
fall into. and feel proud of him on ac-
count of his freedom from bad habits"
Il have noticed that your son seems
to be an active. intelligent sort of a
boy, and l have no doubt of his hon.
esty. If he will call here this afternoon
at four"
"He is absent to-day and will not be
home till evening"
VERY we'll, Tomorrow morning at
ten viii do. l would like to have a
short interview with him, and will
come to some decision during the
day."
Mrs. Bent returned home. elated
with the prospect that seemed opening
before her son. She already saw him
installed as clerk, pictured him gain.
in popularity, and in the esteem Of
employers, until he became men,
OF the firm and was able to furnish
home Of comfort and ease.
oward came home a little before
time set for his return, but his
'ther was watching for him and met
N at the door.
20, Howard, I have good news for
you,' were her first words as he
opened the gate and came up the walk.
'Ihey want a clerk at Jones' store,
and think you can get the position il
you try. saw Mr.. Jones, and he says
you may call ON him tomorrow at ten
O'clock
1.-THE very thing uncle told me
about, and came home little early
on purpose to talk with you about 1t.
Uncle says tits a splendid chance for
the right kind Of boy. And he said
he would do all he could to help me
get the place; but it seems you are
ahead OF him. II can only get a
place in a store and be earning some-
thing l shall be glad"
'One thing they are very particular
about" said the mother. 'They will
not employ anyone who smokes, or
uses tobacco in any form. felt
proud that could tell them that you
are free from such a filthy habit"
A lightcolor came to Howard's face,
but his mother noticed nothing ~ she
proceeded: Il don't know why they
insist 80 strongly on this point unless
It Is on account Of ths M M came
- rsar destsoyiag y | r ~. ~